How Can I Manage Hormonal Acne?

Have you limited your intake of sugar, dairy products and refined carbs, such as white bread, white rice, pasta, sweets, cakes, soda, juice and processed foods?

Have you increased your intake of plant-based foods with a high content of antioxidants such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, cabbage, asparagus, avocados, beetroot, radish, lettuce, squash, pumpkin, collard greens and kale?

Have you increased your intake of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as fish, seafood, nuts and seeds (flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts), and plant oils (flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil)?

Do you wash your face every morning and again in the evening?

Do you only use non-comedogenic products (to reduce the risk of clogging the pores)?

Do you use any of the natural acne treatments such as masks or creams that contain tea tree oil, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs; plant acids derived mainly from citrus fruits) or green tea?

Do you use any topical treatments to treat acne (e.g. topical retinoids)?

Do you use any oral medications to treat acne (birth control pills, spironolactone)?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage hormonal acne. Hormonal acne are caused by fluctuations in hormones in your body. They are very common in women. There are several things to try when it comes to persistent hormonal acne, including dietary changes, topical treatments, and oral medications. You should reduce your intake of sugar and dairy products because high blood sugar levels promote inflammation and hormone fluctuations. Avoid simple sugars, which include white rice, candy, cookies, soda, juice and processed foods. Certain studies show that there is a link between skim milk and low-fat milk and acne.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage hormonal acne. A number of factors can contribute to hormonal acne, including menstruation and menopause. Topical treatments, such as retinoids, anti-inflammatory drugs and salicylic acid, can be used to treat hormonal acne. One of the most commonly used medications is birth control pills. They can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce acne. Another treatment option is spironolactone, which is actually a drug used to treat high blood pressure, but can help because it blocks androgen hormone receptors in your skin and thus prevents the outbreak of acne.